Discover how ASHRAE standards apply to the Energy and Atmosphere and Indoor Environmental Quality categories of LEED green building certification. Boost your LEED exam prep!
Table of Contents
Question
ASHRAE standards are applicable to which of the following LEED categories?
A. Sustainable Sites and Energy and Atmosphere
B. Materials and Resources and Sustainable Sites
C. Water Efficiency and Indoor Environmental Quality
D. Energy and Atmosphere and Indoor Environmental Quality
Answer
The correct answer is D. ASHRAE standards are applicable to the Energy and Atmosphere and Indoor Environmental Quality categories of LEED.
Explanation
ASHRAE stands for the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, a professional organization that develops standards and guidelines for the design, operation, and maintenance of buildings.
ASHRAE standards are applicable to two LEED categories: Energy and Atmosphere (EA) and Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ).
The EA category addresses the energy performance, efficiency, and renewable sources of buildings. The IEQ category addresses the indoor air quality, thermal comfort, lighting quality, and acoustic performance of buildings.
Some of the ASHRAE standards that are relevant for these categories are: ASHRAE Standard 90.1 for energy efficiency; ASHRAE Standard 62.1 for ventilation; ASHRAE Standard 55 for thermal comfort; ASHRAE Standard 189.1 for high-performance green buildings.
ASHRAE, which stands for the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, develops standards related to building systems, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, refrigeration and sustainability. These standards are referenced in LEED green building rating systems.
The Energy and Atmosphere (EA) category addresses energy efficiency, renewable energy, and building commissioning to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. It incorporates ASHRAE Standard 90.1 for energy efficient building design and ASHRAE Standard 62.1 for ventilation and acceptable indoor air quality.
The Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) category focuses on creating healthy, comfortable and productive indoor environments for building occupants. It references several ASHRAE standards:
- Standard 55 for thermal comfort
- Standard 62.1 for ventilation and indoor air quality
- Standard 52.2 for air filter performance and efficiency
So in summary, the ASHRAE standards most directly relevant to LEED fall under the Energy and Atmosphere and Indoor Environmental Quality credit categories. The other two options, Sustainable Sites and Materials and Resources, do not rely as heavily on ASHRAE standards and guidance.
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